National Unity Day Celebrated with Great Enthusiasm at Vallabh Government College, Mandi.
Shimla:
Vallabh Government College, Mandi, celebrated National Unity Day with great zeal, patriotic fervor, and enthusiasm. The series of events organized on this occasion were presided over by the Principal of the college, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar.
In his presidential address, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar stated that the college has been named after Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the “Iron Man of India.” He said that Sardar Patel played a historic role in preserving the unity and integrity of the nation. After India attained independence, he successfully integrated over 562 princely states to lay the foundation of a modern and united India. Dr. Kumar urged the students to imbibe the qualities of discipline, determination, and leadership exemplified by Sardar Patel.
As part of the celebration, the NCC, NSS, Rover-Ranger units, and hundreds of students of the college enthusiastically participated in activities such as Unity Run, Awareness Rally, Speech Competition, Poster Making, Rangoli, and Seminar. On this occasion, the Principal, faculty members, non-teaching staff, and students offered floral tributes at the statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel installed in the college premises. Later, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar administered the National Unity Pledge to all NCC cadets, NSS volunteers, Rover-Ranger members, and students.
Addressing the gathering, Flight Commander and Head of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Flying Officer Dr. Chaman Lal Kranti Singh, from the NCC Air Wing Mandi, remarked “National Unity Day is not merely a formal observance but a symbol of national consciousness, unity, and integrity. This day reminds us of the immense contribution of great nation-builders like Sardar Patel and inspires us to move forward with the resolve of ‘One India, Great India.’ As long as the people of India remain united, the integrity and glory of the nation will remain invincible.”
Dr. Singh further stated that India is a land of immense diversity—with numerous languages, religions, cultures, and traditions—yet, despite these differences, the country has always remained united as one nation. To strengthen this very spirit of oneness, National Unity Day is observed every year on October 31, marking the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
He highlighted that Sardar Patel ensured the merger of 562 princely states into the Indian Union through the historic Instrument of Accession. The creation of this landmark document was made possible through the combined efforts of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (then Home Minister), Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (India’s first Law Minister and Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly), and V. P. Menon (then Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs).
It was due to Sardar Patel’s political foresight, determination, and diplomatic acumen that India today stands as a strong and united nation. Hence, he is rightfully known as the “Iron Man of India.”
Elaborating on the objectives of National Unity Day, Flying Officer Dr. Chaman said:
1 To spread awareness among people regarding the unity, integrity, and security of the nation.
2. To strengthen the spirit of national integration and patriotism among the youth.
3. To draw inspiration from the ideals, patriotism, and leadership qualities of Sardar Patel.
4. To promote harmony and brotherhood by eliminating discrimination, casteism, regionalism, and narrow-mindedness.
He further added “National Unity Day conveys the message that unity is strength, while division leads to destruction. It reminds us that the true power of India lies in its unity, mutual harmony, and strength in diversity.”
Students enthusiastically participated in speech competitions, rallies, and art activities organized on the occasion. In the speech competition, Deeksha Kumari, Nancy Rana, Purnima, Sushila, Yamini, Aakriti, Yash Aditya, and Muskan performed exceptionally well. In the Rail Making Program, Lal Singh, Khushbu, Kritika, and Bhanu Smule contributed significantly. In the Painting Competition based on the theme of national unity and integrity, Suman, Ojasvi, Himani, Bharti, Isha, Aadishi, Khushbu, Tanuja, and Anjali actively participated.
The event saw the gracious presence and active participation of Caretaker Officers Dr. Balbir Singh and Kavita, NSS Programme Officer Dr. Deepali Ashok, Dr. Anuj Kumar, Rover-Ranger In-charge Assistant Professor Shivendra, Assistant Professor Bandana Thakur, Head of Commerce Department Dr. Ravindra Kumar, Head of Hindi Department Dr. Raj Kumar, and Assistant Professor of Chemistry Dr. Sanjay Thakur, along with several faculty members, non-teaching staff, and students of the college.
